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Nicole
Kidman is on a roll. The best thing about it is that she's not
merely spinning, building up the same character like a
snowball. She's gone from musical maven to scared spooky-woman
right to sexy Russian mail-order bride. Somehow, they all
work.
The first thing that you need to know about this film is that
if you've seen the preview, you know what it's all about. It's
a character drama with some predictable but not disappointing
plot twists. It's set in England and deals with a lonely man
who seeks a fiancé through an international Internet
database. She arrives, not speaking English. He's put out.
They get it on. A lot. More accurately, she seduces him. He's
not so put out anymore. Her friends from Russia show up, and
everything goes to hell.
This is a drama but some moments are hilarious. The characters
are steady and well-maintained throughout. They grow but do
not morph. They let us into their world. We know who to root
for and have no problems doing it.
"Birthday Girl" presents a quirky ride to a
satisfying destination. The cake is not sugary, but this film
is reason to celebrate.
-- Liz
( 3 out of 4 pops )
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